Future-Proofing Micro-Entrepreneurs – DIGI-ELEVATE project to boost digital capacity of micro-entrepreneurs

DIGI-ELEVATE is a new ERASMUS+ co-funded project led by the Malta Business Bureau (MBB), designed to help micro-entrepreneurs strengthen their digital capabilities and sharpen their competitive edge. It focuses on raising awareness of how practical digital skills and tools can support small business owners in responding more effectively to market shifts and customer needs.

The project was officially launched during the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Grant Award Ceremony 2025 organised by the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA). The launch highlighted the project’s relevance to ongoing European efforts to support small enterprises in adapting to digital transformation.

DIGI-ELEVATE brings together MBB and its partners: Eurodimensions, an SME based in Malta; DIDEAS, a social enterprise based in Valencia; and the University of National and World Economy in Sofia.

Its core goal is to generate lasting change by equipping micro-entrepreneurs to effectively apply digital management strategies in planning, operations and business development. By optimizing their skills, the project aims to stimulate innovation and encourage a critical reassessment of business models, including sustainability and long-term growth.

The project aims to deliver its goals through a comprehensive learning model established through a research phase which will help the partners develop a new curriculum and outline the learning outcomes. This will be followed by the development of a massive open online course (MOOC) which will be available on demand and feature e-learning tools. The MOOC will then undergo pilot testing before being disseminated widely with its target audience.

This project aligns closely with EU priorities and addresses the urgent need for microenterprises to gain clarity on digital opportunities, fostering resilience against rapid technological change and larger entity competition.